Page 20 of Baby Bodyguard

“Under the circumstances, I’d rather not rule anyone out.” He hesitated, wishing he were free to mention Sami’s other “work project,” but knowing full well he couldn’t. It wouldn’t be professional. Or ethical. “Babe, let’s contact the authorities. If Sami were some quiet, stay-at-home type, I’d have a chance of protecting her. But she’s—”

She was a shooting star. Ablaze of sunshine. Apallet of vibrant colors. From the mop of gleaming curls spilling into light green eyes, to the infectious amusement that underlined her every word, to the wide, plump mouth he longed to taste, she plucked at him like an energetic whirlwind, turning his logic upsidedown.

What would she do if he gave in to the attraction stirring between them and kissed her? Laugh, no doubt. From what he’d observed she laughed at everything. He could imagine taking the generous fullness of her lips, feeling them part beneath his, sharing the warmth of her breath as amused enjoyment shifted to passion.

His gut tightened. She defied logic, forcing him to acknowledge emotions he’d be better off suppressing. These next few weeks were going to be a problem. Aserious problem.

“You can’t involve anyone else.” Babe’s adamant voice cut through the line. “Are you still there, Noah? You promisedto keep this between the two of us. And as much as I hate reminding you, you owe me.”

“Yeah, right.” But he’d never thought she’d call that debt due. “Fine. I’ll give it two weeks, Babe. If we haven’t discovered who sent the note by then, I’m calling the cops. Got it?”

“Fine.” Laughter remarkably similar to Sami’s sounded in his ear. “That’ll give me plenty of time to figure out a new angle.”

Aw, hell. These Fontaine women were going to run him ragged. “What new angle?”

“To keep you doing what I want.”

He sighed. “Not a chance, lady.”

“Oh, Noah. You know I always get my way.”

“Not always,” he reminded.

“You’d be surprised.” A hint of anxiety crept into her voice. “You’re not going to go back on your word, are you? You’ve always put such a premium on honor. That’s how I knew I could trust you.”

“You can still trust me,” he reassured. “I won’t go back on my word. But I don’t like this, Babe. By giving you what you want, I’m forced to lie to Sami. What’s the point in keeping my word, if I have to lie? There’s nothing honorable in that.”

“If you give me a couple of days I can rationalize it for you.”

He laughed in spite of himself. “I don’t doubt that for a minute.”

“Thanks for calling, Noah. Keep me updated, all right?”

“Count on it.”

“And take care of my little girl.”

“She’s not so little,” he felt obligated to mention.

Another bubbly laugh exploded in his ear. “I wondered if you’d notice.” She hesitated, then said, “It won’t work out between you two. Idon’t have to tell you that, do I?”

“What won’t work?” It was a stupid question, afoolish one. One he regretted asking the minute he’d opened his mouth.

“You and Sami. You’re about as opposite as night and day.”

And he could guess which she considered him. She’d nailed him with her description, but that didn’t stop him from pursuing the subject. “As I recall whenever night meets day, it can be quite spectacular.”

“She’ll burn you, Noah,” Babe said softly. “Sami’s not a forever-type woman any more than I am.”

And that said it all. “Maybe I’m not after forever.”

“Sure you are. It’s part of your personality. Trust me. If there’s one thing I know, it’s men.”

He could successfully argue that point, but it would involve more explanations than he cared to offer. He tossed his toiletry kit on top of his clothes. What the hell was he doing discussing Sami like this with her mother? He didn’t intend to have an affair with his client’s daughter—especially since Sami also considered herself his employer. The sooner he took care of business, the sooner he’d have the Fontaine women out of his life. Permanently. Obligations satisfied, case closed, and the last loose end neatly tiedup.

“I’ll call as soon as I have any new information,” he said in his most business-like voice.

“Thank you, Mr. Hawke. Ilook forward to your next report,” she replied just as formally.

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